
Class 

Book. 



,A46U5 



" 



Gopyrigta^J?- 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



LUCREZIA BORGIA 



A DRAMA 



B}> 
SIDNEY S. SALZBURG 




Publishers DORRANCE Philaaelphia 



Copyright 1922 
Dorrance & Company Inc 



PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 



©CI.A683264 

SEP -9 I922 



DEDICATED TO MY WIFE 



DRAMATIS PERSONS 



Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara 

Pietro Bembo 

Ercole Strozzi 

Court Jester 

Huntsmen and 

Servants 

Citizens of Ferrara 

Lucrezia Borgia, Duchess of Ferrara 

Angela Borgia, cousin 

Barbara Torelli, wife of Ercole Strozzi 



LUCREZIA BORGIA 



ACT I 

Scene 1. Ferrara, Italy. 1508 A. D. Outskirts 
of Ferrara. Woods. Whistling, bugle calls 
and hallooing are heard in the distance. 
Enter huntsmen. 

Chief Huntsman 

Heigh, ho ! Heigh, ho ! What a chill ! The air, 
shot through with the warming rays of the 
sun, is sucking all the dew off the fields. Only 
in the forest upon the network of twigs and 
branches, glisten stray beads of moisture, wait- 
ing to disappear with the progress of day. The 
ground, sallow and soaked, is hardening beneath 
the hoofs of our steeds, and the sky is melting its 
leaden cast in the face of the sun. 

First Huntsman 

We courted day with the dawn, and have tra- 
versed the width of the forest for sport to ap- 
pease the Duke's indisposition. 

[5] 



Second Huntsman 
These past days the Duke has galloped at a 
faster pace, his steed more impatient than ever, 
and more ferociously the Duke attacks his prey. 
His spear strikes unerringly and the boar lies 
helpless even before his approach. 

Third Huntsman 
Indeed ! This early morn would have been my 
last were not the Duke behind me. My javelin 
was cast and still the boar pressed close, his 
eyes, stricken with pain, glowering upon me, and 
I felt the nausea of approaching death, when, 
lightning-struck, the huge beast collapsed at 
my side. The Duke's spear had pierced between 
his eyes ! 

Chief Huntsman 
It is true the Duke has acted strangely these 
past days, though our sire was always valiant 
and stout of heart. He has called us each day 
of all seven to his service, and though it is our 
duty to obey, his custom was never to hunt more 
than thrice a week. 

First Huntsman 
Often he droops his arms when alone, relaxes 

[6] 



into pensive reverie, and rides on at the guid- 
ance of his steed. 

Second Huntsman 
And how he suddenly starts, awakened, and 
spurs on madly, the horse exulting in its own 
steel muscles, displaying its pranks. 

Third Huntsman 
Ho, ho ! Ho, ho ! here comes our gallant fool — 
the jester ! 

All Huntsmen 
Ho! Ho! the fool! 

Court Jester 
Ho ho yourselves, wise owls. You stink of the 
foul stenching woods. 

Chief Huntsman 
It being our profession to be of the woods we 
know not our own odor, but none of us being 
fools we know that you are one — and a poor 
one. 

Third Huntsman 
And he reeks even worse! The perfume he 
poured upon himself, in haste to meet the Duke 's 

[7] 



unprecedented summons his consort to be, has 
not yet evaporated. Ha, ha, ha, a fine sight you, 
dolled to perfection and dragged through the 
mire of the woods. 

Court Jester 
At least perfect in my art, but you? Your 
knees trembled and you sagged to the ground 
with fear when that boar pressed close. A fine 
huntsman, you! 

All Huntsmen 
Hey, hey! 

Court Jester 
Your life was of little worth then. The beast's 
blood rebaptized you. And now, you are a good 
Christian once more ! 

Second Huntsman 
Hey, hey ! fool, you speak sacrilegiously. 

Court Jester 
What! of the boar or of this braggart? 

All Huntsmen 
Hey, hey, hey ! Let us rub his face in the mud. 

[8] 



[They seize him and lift him above their heads 
when the Duke enters.] 

Duke 
Hold, hold there, you fools ! what play is this ? 

Court Jester 

[Lifted high] It is an insult to the lighter side 
of your majesty, master! 

First Huntsman 

You are heavy enough, fool. [They relinquish 
their hold.] 

Third Huntsman 
This fool spoke sacrilegiously, sire. 

Duke 
How so? 

Third Huntsman 

The boar you slew, thus indebting me more 
than ever before, was a source of ridicule to him. 
He said its blood spilled, rebaptized me, to make 
a good Christian of me once more ! 

[9] 



Duke 
Ha, ha, ha! Gentlemen, he has already sinned 
against his own goddess of wit. Why inflict 
more torture on him! 

Court Jester 
In penitence whereof I make a wry face. 

Chief Huntsman 
Most becoming! 

Duke 
Gentlemen ! You may go, we shall call this a day. 
I will follow soon and join you at the venison. 
[Exit huntsmen. Seats himself, his hands sup- 
porting his head.] Why has this thought pur- 
sued me, fool, now and never before? There must 
be truth in it. The days are longer, never well 
spent. The nights are sleepless. I seek refuge 
and find none. The more I cower from it, the 
greater its proportions. I seek to obliterate it 
and it comes back. I recall moments of the past 
and scoff at my present suspicions, and still they 
rise, more justifiable. I see innocence here and 
innocence there, and yet my mind perceives du- 
plicity. This shadow that has crossed my mind 
has left me restless. There is that which has 



[IO] 



taken me out of the routine of my life — has made 
me think different from all other days. Fool! 
What is happiness? 

Court Jester 
Happiness? Happiness is a moment of forget- 
fulness. 

Duke 
What then would be unhappiness? 

Court Jester 
Ah ! that is a moment of realization. 

Duke 
So I thought! I am unhappy, fool, although I 
have not realized anything. . . .yet. 

Court Jester 

You are looking for it then ; you will surely find 
it. 

Duke 
You do not know anything? — about Ercole 
Strozzi? 

Court Jester 
The poet you mean? Nothing, except that he 
has dedicated all his poems to the Duchess, 

[ii] 



which is strange, all people of Ferrara holding 
up his love for his own beautiful wife, Barbara, 
as exemplary. It is rumored though, that his 
ambition is to be cardinal, and thus perhaps 
he thought to gain his end. The peasants are in 
sympathy with this, he being such a worthy citi- 
zen. — But he is unworthy of your steel, master, 
and does not deserve a moment's thought. — 
The sun is rising steadily in the heavens and we 
have not yet broken our fast today. We may 
miss the feed. 

Duke 
Aye, the Duchess has asked this favor, to grant 
Ercole Strozzi the red hat — Fool! Your only 
care is your hungry pit, thus swelling you the 
wronger way. 

Court Jester 
And yours the court and its jealousies, thus 
thimiing you — 

Duke 
[Rises] Fool! 

Court Jester 
[Smacking lips] Now we go — 

[12] 



Duke 

[Sits again] But, there is something. I cannot 
understand her — there is a change. 

Court Jester 

Damn those poets ! They live on song and love, 
and get aches of the heart, but I — I must have 
red meat and enjoy real aches of the pit. 

Duke 

They win their ladies so, fool ! But I, what do 
I gain, but provocation! 

Court Jester 
Something gained ! 

Duke 

Fool! [Shoves him to far end, and then walks 
out. The Court Jester folloivs, singing:'] 

The boar is dead, 

Long live the Duke ! 

The Duke sees red, 

Beware ! — Now I'll be fed ! 

Curtain 

[13] 



Scene 2. Lucrezia's private room. 

Lucrezia 

The skies of Rome are darkling over fair Fer- 
rara, and my mind perceives its inclinations. The 
past brings up its dregs! Plague upon you! I 
fled, methought, to a convent of marriage where 
one would learn a woman's happiness; and thus 
several years I did content myself. And now, the 
pallor of desire creeps over my cheeks and with 
it the flush of connivance, that which I learned 
well amongst my own. But Cesar, noble brother 
slain of late, never knew this mirrored self, nor 
the Pope, my father, ever succumbed to it, ex- 
cept to his own poison. Only Gandia — he was of 
gentle blood and because of that was he a vic- 
tim of his own brother's plottings — and mine! 
But the past is dead and it cannot spit out its 
secrets — only the present must not gargle out 
its own. Already have I contrived to well hide his 
name, him, upon whom I could pour all my affec- 
tions, oh, my very self. Upon his friend has 
fallen the Duke's eyes with suspicion, — so my 
servant, spying, has informed me. That is well. 
I can love in secret, and if need be, work in it 
too ! [Enter Duke'] Alfonso ! 



[14] 



Duke 
Aye, it is I. 

Lucrezia 
This past while have I not seen you but rarely. 
In early morn you hunt, and at noon you dine 
with your men, in the eve — I know not what is 
passing so between us that you keep so distant — 
and now that you are here — you would greet me 
otherwise — 

Duke 

[Kisses her] Aye, if it were not that you have 
become the very core of myself, my proudest 
possession — I would be different. 

Luckezia 
And why speak so! 

Duke 

I know not. But it is you, I fear, who is at 
fault. Every mood of yours reflects itself upon 
me. Yes, Lucrezia, you have been different of 
late. 

Lucrezia 
A pretty state it is. You say it is I, I say it is 
you. Now who is right? 

[15] 



Duke 
I cannot be wrong. Have we not been happy 
these past years! Have I not always been at 
your call? Have I not fulfilled your every whim? 

Lucrezia 
And how cannot you be wrong? 

Duke 
Because I am of Ferrara, Lucrezia, and you are 
of Rome. These years I thought you learned our 
customs, perceived the happiness amongst our 
peasantry, our people, our court. I rejoiced in 
that you flung away your environment, that 
which I had feared before marriage and of which 
I had spoken to my father, but my father thought 
different. A woman, he said, sprouts according 
to the soil she is on, it is easy to transplant her. 

Lucrezia 
Sire, your words bear a sting. If, as you say, I 
know not your simplicity, then you know not 
Roman glory, Roman luxury. The coffers of your 
state were quadrupled in our marriage — that, 
perhaps, you know. Of its splendour, you know 
nothing. 

[16] 



Duke 
Nor of its wicked life. Naught of its papacy, of 
brother slaying brother, of sister — 

Luckezia 
You hesitate! Why not speak out and give full 
way to your blast 1 Transplant ! I am no slen- 
der reed blowing with the wind. 

Duke 
What I fear! Not you were transplanted but 
Roman ways. 

Lucrezia 
And why all this venom? 

Duke 
Because you have some gallant behind my back. 

Luceezia 
Indeed! Who, pray! 

Duke 
Some fool poet who does not fear my sword, 
but— 

LUCREZIA 

Perhaps you mean — Pietro B'embof 

[17] 



Duke 

No! Pietro? He is one of the faithful of my 
court. I mean him for whom you petitioned to 
grant the red hat. 

Lucrezia 
Ercole Strozzi ! 

Duke 
Yes, him, who dedicates his ditties to you, and 
you, who in return, wish to elevate him. 

Lucrezia 
Interesting ! 

Duke 
You sit there calmly, undisturbed, and glibly say 
— interesting. You do not deny it. You — I — 
I — I shall show you who is master here — I — I — 
[Exit Duke.] 

Lucrezia 
This much done. It is firm in his mind. [Enter 
Angela.] Cousin ! 

Angela 
Regards I bear and even more. He waits im- 
patient to see you. 

[18] 



LlJCREZlA 

Poor lover ! that our bliss be denied even one 
moment of time, and this because of the Duke. 

Angela 
He asks if he cannot be with you this eve. 

LlJCREZlA 

This eve? Ercole and his wife are to visit us. 
Let him come. Does not Time cheat itself in one 
sweet moment? 

Angela 
This then ends my message with your reply, and 
with it I wash my hands of the affair. 

Lucrezia 
Cousin, what is this? 

Angela 
Nay, Lucrezia, I will not bear the face of this 
any longer. 

Lucrezia 
And you promised to be of help? 

[19] 



Angela 
I did. But I did not promise to be accomplice 
to intrigue. 

Luceezia 
What insubordination ! 

Angela 
Nay, mistress, insubordination if 'I had not 
learned of the Duke's false suspicions upon an 
innocent man. It was my desire to aid my cousin 
in her own desire in love. That was all I prom- 
ised, so I swear by the Holy Virgin. 

Luceezia 
And by the Holy Virgin you swore that Pietro 
would be my lover. No one else in this court 
have I, but you of the blood of Borgia. Now 
your help I need more than ever. I am already 
steeped in this to gain my love — you cannot draw 
back any more than I. 

Angela 
This is not Rome, Lucrezia! One word to the 
Duke and you and Pietro Bembo are undone. 

Luceezia 
You threaten me ! 

[20] 



Angela 

Nay, forbid the thought. Only this, that were I 
in Rome now I could do naught else but obey, 
despite my own reckonings. Here the bonds of 
blood are severed. 

Ltjcrezia 
A traitor to the name of Borgia! 

Angela 

Aye, one who at last can find refuge from its 
stain. Think twice before you proceed with your 
plans, Lucrezia, for without them I know you 
cannot be. Ferrara has been kind to you, its 
poets have sung your beauty. Your husband has 
been considerate. Years of happiness passed 
and methought you had forgot Rome. But, 'tis 
not to be. Dead embers are rekindled. Now 
one other who has sung your praise is the ob- 
ject of the Duke's misdirected anger, and you 
have not appeased him nor tried to these many 
days. I recall well how in Rome this was the 
beginning of much bloodshed — to breed misun- 
derstanding. Recall well Gandia's death — that 
noble youth, whose name I cherish to this very 
day. How you dallied with Cesar and though 

[21] 



you loved Gandia more — you lost him in cruel 
murder. Remember Rome ! 

Lucrezia 
What fury has turned this girl? You preach? 
then you will not help ! [Exit Lucrezia.] 

Angela 
She is furious now, but what of the fury in my 
heart dwelling there these many years ? Gandia ! 
— daily worship I have at your image and waft 
sweet incense of revenge to keep life in me 
fanned with a purpose. You live, Gandia, live 
in me, and this purpose has more promise than 
its budding. She loves madly and only now is 
my opportunity — Lucrezia Borgia needs little 
more than momentum, she gathers vehement 
force with time. I have helped, now I am free — 
I have done mine, for her, for myself, and for 
Gandia ! 

Curtain 



[22] 



ACT II 

Scene 1. Eeception room. 

Court Jester 
I may have nibbled more of the truth than 
healthy; besides, that meat will surely indigest 
me. The Duke goes about with a frown and all 
things seem upset — even my pit. Even she, she 
most adorable in that she wrung my adoration, 
is not as sweet of disposition — fair Angela. 
[Enter Angela.] Ah, most beloved creature that 
ever walked upon two feet, I admit that I am 
no poet, but more than a poet's love I bear for 
you. 

Angela 
Knave ! You compare me then with all bipeds — 
fine love you make of me. 

Court Jester 
Let me be your knave — only too — a kiss. [An- 
gela smacks him.] 

Angela 
You fool. Your conceit is even greater than 
your knavery. 

[23] 



Court Jester 
And my desire for you as much responsive to 
your exceeding beauty. What a sad lot is a 
fool's. He is sport for all but receives none 
from any. 

Angela 
You want me to sport with you, then! 

Court Jester 
Yes ! Do I not conceal behind my mask of mirth? 
You have no mask, I know you dislike me, but 
I, having one, you can never guess how I love 
you. 

Angela 
Quite true, though my dislike for you is not as 
great as you say your love is for me. But how 
then shall I gauge your love for me, if yours be 
so well concealed? 

Court Jester 
Angela ! If a fool be ever serious, then I am most 
serious now. Ask of me aught and I shall give 
it. 

Angela 
I promise then, if you grant me a favor at any 
moment I ask it, I shall make sport of you. 

[24] 



Court Jester 
Agreed. Sport with me as I would with you. 
[Enter Duke.'] 

Angela 
Nay— 

Duke 
Ha, ha, ha. The world is a- whirling like a merry 
whirligig and I see two fools where there is only 
one. 

Court Jester 
Sire, I am already doubly blessed. 

Angela 
Remember — [Exit Angela.] 

Duke 
So soon gone. These lasses, do they fear me, 
fool? 

Court Jester 
They may not fear you, but, a-hm! Sire, you 
are to receive guest any moment — and you are 
rocking. 

Duke 
Ha, ha, ha. Do not fear, fool, I shall sober up 
at the proper moment. What I quaffed will give 

[25] 



me courage of a different sort — courage these 
fool poets have. I shall show them, — her — Lu- 
crezia ! 

Court Jester 
Was it not the wise king, Solomon, who said that 
wine is a mocker and strong drink a brawler? 

Duke 
True ! Only this mockery shall fall upon others. 
Ha, ha, ha. [Enter Ercole.] Ercole Strozzi! 
[Exit Court Jester.] 

Ercole 
I, sire, upon your invitation. 

Duke 
Welcome. Where is your wife, Barbara? 

Ercole 
Biding a few moments with the Duchess. 

Duke 
She will be here then? 

Ercole 
Shortly. 

[26] 



Duke 
The Duchess has spoken of your desire for the 
red hat. 

Ercole 
Your most faithful servant. 

Duke 
It would be a most appropriate gift to the poet 
who sung my wife's beauty to all the people of 
Ferrara — and to her own husband. 

Ercole 
Sire! I seek no remuneration but your own 
favor. 

Duke 
Indeed ! Strange coincidence to ask the Duchess 
for this gift. It would appear then your poetry 
was truly spontaneous. 

Ercole 
Without ulterior motive indeed, Sire. Sung with 
sincere appreciation of our beloved queen, as 
such in both court and beauty. 

Duke 
What secret springs unwound such praise, then? 

[27] 



Ercole 
That which lends color to life, sir, Art — the im- 
mortal love of Beauty. 

Duke 
Immortal, eh? Art! It cannot, surely, be so 
sanctimonious as to claim itself entirely disin- 
terested in its object of worship. 

Ercole 
Indeed, not, sir. It is its very inspiration. Only 
the fabric is woven of the fine thread of imagina- 
tion. 

Duke 
Quite true, quite true, then. It would appear 
then that for the adoration you bestow upon 
the Duchess — your inspiration, and which has 
entirely possessed your imagination — I am to 
grant you the red hat? 

Ercole 
I refute that, sire. 

Duke 
And I — we shall see. [Enter Lucrezia and Bar- 
bara.'] 

[28] 



LlJCREZIA 

Pietro Bembo has not come yet? 

Ercole 
He will be here shortly. I saw him a few mo- 
ments before I left with my wife for the Palace 
— he was to come with us — only he was detained 
on the street. 

Lucrezia 
What has detained him — to forfeit even a little 
of our time ! 

Ercole 
An errand of mercy, madame. His heart is big. 

Barbaea 
What two lovers these are, Duchess. They have 
only praise for each other. Often am I jealous 
of Ercole, and of Pietro, the adulation they bear 
each other. Often they will sit till early dawn 
prodding loose some fossilized themes — often 
exchange their own. One will write a line and 
sing to the other, the other will do the same, 
then they will embrace. What glorious friend- 
ship this, into which I am uninitiate. What se- 
crets they carry to each other in a word, a syl- 
lable, a look. It rivals very love, and methinks 
exceeds it. 

[29] 



Duke 

Indeed, exemplary. [Enter Pietro.] Here he 
is now, most faithful of my court. 

Pietro 
Forgive this delay. I suffer most thereby. 

Duke 

Let us delay no longer! To my gardens then, 
which rival Rome's very best. There is beauty 
in all its splendour. [The Duke takes Barbara's 
arm, exit one direction; Pietro takes Lucrezia's 
arm, exit another.] 

Ercole 

There goes my wife with the Duke, my friend 
with the Duchess. And I am left to explore alone 
the beauty of his gardens. From the Duke's 
speech it seems I am not destined for the red 
hat. His words were very unsavory — does he 
suspect me of courting his wife! I would not 
be surprised. This would prove bad for me — 
and more for Pietro. Friendship is its own vir- 
tue and I can do naught to clear up this tangle. 

Curtain 

[30] 



Scene 2. In the gardens. Discovered Pietro and 
Lucrezia. 

Pietro 
Love! Two long days — more aged than hoary 
time — that I did not see yon. Those days, me- 
thinks, were more painful in their birth than the 
pains of childbirth. Slowly the gray dawn crept 
upon me and more slowly I relinquished all sweet 
images of you, absorbed in the disillusioning 
light of day. On came day in its endless hours, 
bitter with memory of vacant moments of the 
night; and so on again, doubly, till now, once 
more, I have in you both the joy of day and the 
glory of night. 

Lucrezia 
love, what would I do for want of you? Think 
not I sleep and perhaps dream of sweet moments 
that were, but more real, wakeful I lie and 
stretch my hands out — beyond — [They em- 
brace.] 

Pietro 
Oft I dare think this should not be ! The Duke 
suspects naught — 

Lucrezia 
Naught, Pietro! 

[31] 



PlETRO 

'Tis behind his back; I would rather love you 
openly — affront him if need be — 

LUCREZIA 

Wait! I know your impulse — you think it un- 
worthy — I, too, think so, our love is too great to 
be hidden long — but leave that moment to me, 
Pietro. 

Pietro 

What can come of this, what ! I love in the end- 
less nights — then I think upon the Duke — our 
love cannot cease ! What when the Duke knows, 
it could not last then? 

Lucrezia 

Nay! But such love as ours will bring its own 
solution. It is worthy of it. If we cannot shape 
it, it will itself. 

Lucrezia 

I would not shape it, Lucrezia! That is schem 
ing, and that would be unworthy of you, sweet 
angel. 

[32] 



LUCREZIA 

Then leave the thought — do not beckon it. 
Rather enjoy the moment and leave all else — to 
the winds. 

Pietro 
How comforting your words. What solace in 
your touch. What joy in the message of your 
eyes. I nestle close to your bosom and I know 
that its heart-beats are for me only. 

Lucrezia 
Oh, lover ! Would that your head reclined upon 
it in other fashion and sucked all poison from 
my blood. 

Pietro 
Poison! You with those limpid eyes. 

Lucrezia 
I cannot say — but you are noble, Pietro. Your 
very breath is fragrant with the sweetness of 
your being. And I — I am foul with suspicions 
through love of you. 

Pietro 
What's this? 

[33] 



LlJCREZIA 

I fear your friend, Ercole ! 

Pietro 
Ercole ! 

LlJCREZIA 

Yes, Ercole. Excepting Angela, who can be 
trusted, he is the only one who knows of our 
love. The Duke — 

Pietro 

Ercole! he who would not tread upon a worm. 
Pray, Lucrezia, admit you are wrong. 

Lucrezia 

Nay, I cannot. Ercole has asked me to plead 
with the Duke to grant him the red hat. I did. 
The Duke has no doubt refused him — this will 
anger him greatly. 

Pietro 
Why should the Duke have refused him? 

Lucrezia 
Because of Ercole 's poems, — sung in my praise. 

[34] 



PlETRO 

Even so, Ercole could not be feared for any 
cause. 

LUCREZIA 

For any cause, perhaps, but one. 

Pietro 
And what is that! 

Lucrezia 
His wife, Barbara. 

PlETRO 

I do not understand. 

Lucrezia 
You know his exceeding love for his wife. The 
Duke has been attentive to her of late. More 
than your friendship is involved there. If he ex- 
pose our affair he will distract the Duke from his 
wife. [Silence.] And the moment has not yet 
come. 

PlETRO 

Then I must speak to Ercole, even now. It may 
be only a woman's suspicions, but I respect a 
noblewoman 's intuition. 

[35] 



LUCKEZIA 

To-morrow then — the way shall be prepared for 
you — come — come early — to my room. I shall 
await you. [They embrace. Exit Pietro.] Now 
the way is paved. Noble youth! It is all for 
you, sweet youth. I do this for you only — I 
must hide all from you — must plot against your 
friend, against the Duke, against you, to have 
you by my side undisturbed. Now he will go to 
Ercole — they will quarrel — Ercole will tell him 
the Duke suspects his own self and Pietro will 
not believe. I have anticipated him. Pietro 
through honor would otherwise have told the 
Duke the truth. Thus must I deceive my own 
lover, for his and my happiness. Thus will he 
be kept in ignorance — and his faith, faith that 
I must keep sacred, will not be shaken in me — 
and in his faith I can wait, wait for an oppor- 
tunity — and proceed to my goal — our union. 
[Exit Lucrezia. Enter Ercole.'] 

Ercole 
This spot alone excels any I have seen — every- 
thing but — this long have I wandered and not 
even crossed Barbara's path! To the Duchess 
can I leave good choice for seclusion with her 
lover, but the Duke — where are they! I shall 

[36] 



have to tell Pietro of this ridiculous situation — 
but no, I may thus interfere with his plans. [En- 
ter Pietro.] 

Pietro 
Ercole ! 

Ercole 
Pietro ! 

Pietro 
I have sought you in the hall — everywhere. Were 
you alone? 

Ercole 
What else? The Duke cares little for a hus- 
band 's prerogative. 

Pietro 
Perhaps more so for his own, eh? 

Ercole 
Indeed, you should be wary — the Duke is in a 
temper. 

Pietro 
So? 

[37] 



Ercole 

Only he does not suspect yon — as yet. 

Pietro 
My blade is still trusty. 

Ercole 
What! 

Pietro 
Nay, do not think my mind is turned because of 
love — but I do mean that — any in my way, ex- 
cept the Duke, I will not tolerate. 

Ercole 
And who can thus be interested? 

Pietro 
I know not — 

Ercole 
Poor lover ! You have your worries in attain- 
ing your goddess, but look at me, poor devil, I 
already have mine — and yet — 

Pietro 
And yet what? 

[38] 



Ercole 
The Duke is attentive to her. Barbara, as you 
know, is not very loving to the Duke in mind 
and I am sure she can be no other in action. 

Pietro 
Then you should be content. 

Ercole 
Nay, the Duke — he may make trouble. He is 
very suspicious. It may be his way of counter- 
ing Lucrezia's amour — 

Pietro 
But why Barbara! 

Ercole 
Ah — yes, yes— I— I — why? That is right, why? 

Pietro 

You are hiding from your friend something I do 
not know. You do not desire to make me sus- 
picious ? 

Ercole 
You, Pietro? What pray could you suspect! 

[39] 



PlETRO 

It is hard to say of one who is more wedded to 
me than my own years. 

Ercole 
Pietro! What is this casting its shadow over 
our friendship? 

Pietro 
It appears, no child's play — one of the few to 
disrupt it — woman. 

Ercole 
Why speak so strangely! You love Lucrezia, I 
love Barbara, how do we conflict? 

Pietro 
Then why do you not explain yourself. You say 
Barbara is the Duke's counter to his wife's 
affection for me — I ask why — you do not an- 
swer — 

Ercole 
I must answer? 

Pietro 
If our friendship be still common. 

[40] 



Ercole 
Then it is because the Duke suspects me — he is 
thus revenging himself upon me in courting 
Barbara — and avenging Lucrezia. 

Pietro 
This does sound logical. [Aside.] Lucrezia must 
be wrong — 

Ercole 
Even more — he rejects my petition for cardinal 
— what other reason? 

Pietro 
Forgive, dear friend — lovers ' matters should not 
enter between men. 

Ercole 
Indeed not. What say you, Pietro — a little fenc- 
ing tonight after we leave — 

Pietro 
Agreed! Remember when we first gripped 
swords ? Only once was I at your mercy — 

Ercole 
That is a compliment, dear friend, to have even 
succeeded once — such swordsman is rare. 

[41] 



PlETRO 

But then I bow my head to your singing — 

Ercole 
Nay you are younger — your lines show great 
promise — [Enter Barbara in haste,] 

Ercole 
What is? 

Barbara 
Nay — nay, do not ask — Ercole, dear — only let us 
hence — away from this vile place — hurry — 
hurry — 

Ercole 
What is wrong, dear? What has happened! 

Pietro 
I will leave — 

Barbara 
Nay, stay Pietro — and learn a Duke's honor. 
We walked in the garden — talked of things of 
the moment — I remarked of his marvelous gar- 
dens — 'tis terrible — 

Ercole 
Speak out — 

[42] 



Barbara 
Thus we whiled our time — till lie spoke of you 
— of your request for the red hat — of his hesi- 
tancy in granting — oh — 

Ercole 
Dear, dear, speak on! 

Barbara 
Then he finally blurted out his shameful words — 
that I favor him personally to win you the red 
hat. Oh [weeps]. 

Pietro 
By the Holy Virgin ! 

Ercole 
I shall find him and — slay him ! 

Pietro 

Nay, nay, here let me hold you Ercole — a mo- 
ment — a moment — do you not see — do you not 
see your wife — she needs your attention — we 
must escort her — she is pale — nay, listen — I 
come here tomorrow, early, to see the Duchess — 
wait — I — wait till tomorrow Ercole — I shall 

[43] 



help you — only the Duchess — she must know — 
I will arrange [Ercole relaxes] perhaps a 
duel — 

Ercole 

Dear, dear, Barbara, — come let us hasten — to- 
morrow — tomorrow! [Exit all. Enter Duke.] 

Duke 

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Oh — my sides — she fled like 
a bird — how shall I say — these poets — I haven't 
learned their rhymes yet — but their art — ha, 
ha, ha, ha — a little crude maybe — but there was 
no mistaking — now — ha, ha, ha — Ercole cannot 
mistake it — nor Lucrezia — and he, no doubt, the 
poor fool, will come for fight — and who in 
Ferrara excels the Duke in swordsmanship — or 
even Rome — Rome — Rome! Ha, ha, ha, ha! 
[Enter Court Jester.] Here you are then, eh — 
what a lass she was, fool — what a lass ! 

Court Jester 

"What a lass! 
One cannot pass, 
The husband, alas, 
Becomes an ass! 



[44] 



Duke 
Ha, ha, ha, — now I have my poetry. 

Court Jester 

An ass a poet would be, 

He brayed from morn to night, 

To sing his poetry 

He brayed with all his might. 

Duke 
Ha, ha, ha, ha — 

Court Jester 

A poet an ass would be 

— P referred he this sad life — 

And sung his poetry 

The while he lost his wife. 

Duke 
Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 

Curtain 



[45] 



ACT III 

Scene 1. Street in Ferrara. Discovered citi- 
zens of Ferrara. 

First Citizen 

Many springs have passed, sweet with the 
breath of new blooming flowers; but none like 
this, to awaken our court from its peaceful state. 

Second Citizen 

Nay, you would think, to new added peace it 
would awaken them — to new joy of calm. 

Third Citizen 
Instead! to distraction! 

First Citizen 
'Tis puzzling, and hard to learn the truth. 

Second Citizen 

Indeed ! Be it the Duke whose restlessness is the 
cause of this in all its ugly rumors — or, mayhap 
our queen? 

[46] 



First Citizen 

I know it cannot be the Duchess. How her hand 
in this, when 'twas the Duke who did the in- 
sult! 

Third Citizen 

But what of this rumor! That the Duchess has 
some lover — some say Ercole Strozzi — some say 
some other youth of the court? 

Second Citizen 

Even so, why the Duke's behavior toward 
Strozzi 's beloved wife? Nay, this is disconcert- 
ing, and I am glad that it makes only gossip for 
us. 

Third Citizen 

pjut, do you not know, the Duke suspects Ercole 
Strozzi in courting his wife, that is why. 

First Citizen 

I do not believe a bit of this. Our Duchess! 
She who has done more for our city, our poor, 
than any one? She is the very angel of heaven 
— have you not seen her — how accuse her! 

[47] 



Second Citizen 
Indeed! I cannot see its truth. It must be the 
Duke — they say he was half drunk when he in- 
sulted Barbara last eve. 

Third Citizen 
Yes — and this morn will see the outcome of it 
all. Ercole will no doubt exchange swords. 

First Citizen 
He will make a good aim for the Duke's sword. 
Poor, noble man. 

Third Citizen 
Quite true. And were it not for Pietro Bembo, 
Ercole would have been a dead man last night. 

Second Citizen 
There is the swordsman! Pietro Bembo! The 
only equal to the Duke. 

First Citizen 

Indeed ! but fate has not chosen him to face the 
Duke! [Enter two hooded men; they remain in 
the rear.] Who are they? 

Third Citizen 
A suspicious looking pair. 

[48] 



Second Citizen 
Do you think them Ferrarese ? 

First Citizen 
It is hard to judge. But we must go — our daily 
duties call us and thankful are we to have them ! 
[Exit citizens.] 

First Man 
It is here then we must watch ! 

Second Man 
From our orders — yes. 

First Man 
Sh — Back ! Here comes one of the court — I be- 
lieve Angela Borgia. [Enter Angela.] 

Angela 
What strange men, cowering there behind me. 
And yet their forms are not so strange. Me- 
thinks I know them. They are up to mischief, 
perhaps. I'll pretend leaving and haunt this 
very spot. [Angela goes out, but returns hid- 
ing.] 

First Man 
[They speak in whispers] She has gone! 

[49] 



Second Man 
Do you think she recognized us ? 

First Man 
We are well disguised. Would that he were 
coming this way soon and we were through with 
this dirty business. 

Second Man 
Sh! Here comes some one now. Let us hide. 
It may be he. [Enter Ercole Strozzi.] 

Ercole 
Here am I now — but a few moments from the 
Palace — and no one to hold me back — no — not 
Barbara nor Pietro. He has gone to the Duchess 
— he will arrange things for me — my honor has 
not fallen so low — I will show him — this Duke — 
this puppet — this fool — [He is about to leave 
when the two men fall upon him and stab him in 
the back. Angela is seen hastening from the 
scene. The two men disappear. An alarm rises 
as citizens gather about and recognize the dead 
body of Ercole Strozzi.'] 

Curtain 

[50] 



Scene 2. Lucrezia's private room. 

Luckezia 
Now it will be done and fate needs little more 
prompting. My husband in his folly has aided 
me more than all — I need not now fan suspicion 
between these two friends, so dangerous a thing 
in truth. I must promote it — the blame will fall 
upon the Duke — and then — Pietro 's sword for 
revenge ! Pietro, Pietro ! Again I have an- 
ticipated you to wring out our mutual joy, 
to possess each other, as only lovers should. I 
am already tingling with the fulfillment of my 
desires — I cannot wait — my heart — ah, how it 
loves, loves you — you only — and, how it disdains 
all that holds me from you. It must triumph in 
both, love and disdain. My nocturnal plottings 
will bring my lover to me in the night — as mine 
— mine in all his being — none to dictate other- 
wise. None to stand in my way! None! My 
designs — they are as inevitable as fate — have I 
not mothered them ? They cannot renounce me ! 
Nothing can bend them — they must triumph! 
[Enter Pietro.] Lover! [They embrace.] 

Pietro 
It is ill that the morn that should feed me with 

[51] 



kisses only, should be blighted with other se- 
rious matters. 

Ltjcrezia 
You mean the Duke 's folly ? 

PlETRO 

Folly of him, but more serious to the others. I 
could barely hold Ercole back from going at 
once to the Duke. I knew it would have been 
his death. Now I left him, more impatient than 
ever — he promised to remain till I return, having 
sought your advice. 

Ltjcrezia 
You detained him, Pietro? 

Pietro 
Yes. My honor is in this too, love. Last eve, 
having listened to your forebodings, I went to 
Ercole and felt my way to its truth — and there 
was none. We are friends as ever. The proof 
of which lies in the Duke's behavior — he did sus- 
pect Ercole and thus insulted Barbara in his 
drunken humor. 

Ltjcrezia 
I regret having uttered such words. Nothing can 

[52] 



cast a blemish on such character as Ercole 's. My 
love for you, Pietro, blinded me for the moment. 

Pietro 
And now, I cannot have Ercole suffer for this — 
my affair. The moment has come, Lucrezia, and 
we must decide what to do. 

Lucrezia 

Indeed! What can we do. If you speak the 
truth — know, the Duke can impose death upon 
you — or else banish you — either way — 

Pietro 
I might insult him — or else take Ercole 's griev- 
ance upon myself to avenge — 

Lucrezia 
It is not for the Duke to fight you unless there 
be good ground, he will use his authority. 

Pietro 
But I cannot leave Ercole — 

Lucrezia 
And leave me ? 

[53] 



PlETRO 

Nay love, 'twould be a task to miss your eyes 
and your fascinating, supple ways, but — I could 
not love you if I had no honor, and friendship 
feeds upon that! 

Lucrezia 
You are my noble lover — [Enter servant.'] 

Servant 

Ercole Strozzi has been found slain nearby, 
stabbed. 

Pietro 
Ercole slain! [Exit Pietro in haste.] 

Lucrezia 

For a moment, I feared my plans were gone to 
naught — but now, faithful servant, you say it is 
done. 

Servant 
Stabbed in the back, till dead ! 

Lucrezia 
Was there any one nigh? 

[54] 



Servant 
For a while, merchants were passing to the 
market, then Angela Borgia passed us, but was 
soon gone. Then came Ercole Strozzi, proceed- 
ing to the Duke in a rage, then — 

Lucrezia 
Here is your reward. [Exit servant.] It is done, 
then. The rest will care for itself. I am free 
now, free ! Free of plotting and care, of fear and 
hope — only this — this last act and I am through 
—his sword is here— left in haste— now I can- 
not fear — he will prick him of certain — it is 
done ! Now I can be — myself. [ Enter Angela. ] 
My servant has just informed me Strozzi is 
slain almost before the Palace doors. 

Angela 
Yes, cousin, slain. 

Lucrezia 
It does not even startle you! Once, methought, 
you were a sweet-tempered girl, now blood can- 
not phase you? 

Angela 
Am I not a Borgia! Have I not been reared 

[55] 



well — in Rome? Does this startle you, cousin, 
the true Borgia. Years ago, in Rome, 'twas but 
daily food for your spirit, why this wonder? 

Lucrezia 
What ghosts do you bring up of the past, you — 
you ! What do you do here ! What bearing has 
your speech? What do you mean, you remnant 
of forgotten days? Wliy plague me with days 
that are long cut off? 

Angela 

Such fury of a sudden ! Why this spurt of con- 
science — does it reflect something of fear? What 
fear have you, Duchess of Ferrara? 

Lucrezia 

Out, you. Away from me, dreamer of forgotten 
love, my own brother. You carry with you, in 
you, the poison of the past. Away, I say. 

Angela 

But, pray, what has all this to do with Ercole's 
death? You want me startled, frightened, timid? 
Ha, ha, ha, where Lucrezia Borgia is, there 
wonder ceases. [Exit Angela.] 

[56] 



LUCREZIA 

What is this? Does she suspect — perhaps know? 
She passed the spot — [Rings for servant.] I 
must know the truth at once — no delay — does 
she know — or does she only suspect. [Enter 
servant.] You say Angela Borgia passed the 
spot — speak the truth only — it is important — 
tell me all. 

Servant 
I know no more. A few moments before she 
passed — carrying some victuals for the cook — 
she hesitated, then disappeared. 

Lucrezia 
Where did she go? 

Servant 
I know not. We looked down the street — she 
was gone, no doubt into the Palace. [Exit serv- 
ant.] 

Lucrezia 
She suspects then. What has come over me — 
only a while ago — I was free — and now — fear 
possessed me. — Do you fear this girl? She 
knows nothing. This much must be done — I must 
hurry all to completion, ere she bestir herself to 
learn too much. [Enter Pietro.] Pietro! 

[57] 



PlETRO 

Ercole is dead ! 

LlTCREZIA 

Dead! 

PlETRO 

My Lucrezia! Ercole is dead! Murdered in 
the streets ! Slain ! Stabbed in the back, pierced 
through his very heart ! My friend — slain ! 

Lucrezia 
Pietro ! 

PlETRO 

What solace can I find — even though I be with 
you? Time, that brought this day, un- 
heralded, with grief upon my head, you have 
signaled me out of Ferrara to be stricken with 
sorrow. With stealth, Lucrezia, came this morn 
unapprised. Too honorable was he to linger 
home to await my return — chivalrous always, he 
courted death on the streets. But who was there 
to fear this man whose sword ne'er pierced be- 
cause its wielder could not shed blood? This 
man who weaned me from all things mundane 
and opened the very portals of heaven so that I 
glimpse beauty? Oh, oh, my lifelong friend is 
not only gone but slain, slain in the streets. 

[58] 



Whose heart could be so cruel, whose senses so 
disproportioned as to not perceive the nobility 
of this man! Him — who harmed no one, devoted 
to the muse, rejoicing in his love, him — slain! 

Lucrezia 
Love ! the dead breathe back upon the living the 
injustice done them — it is for the noble to right 

it! 

PlETRO 

Now, love, you speak, well worthy of your sta- 
tion. Time ! you are but a cycle, a wheel rotat- 
ing upon the axis of justice — it shall rotate back 
upon the heads of the guilty — and wreak upon 
them their doom. 

Litcrezia 
Often we must grasp it by the forelock — 

Pietro 
Who did this foul deed—? 

LUCKEZIA 

You say he was slain before the Palace. I did 
not think my husband a coward. 

[59] 



PlETRO 

Yon mean — 

Lucrezia 
Dispatched even before — 

Pietro 
Lucrezia, the Dnke — 

Lucrezia 
Who else bore grndge to this beloved citizen? 
Have yon not just said he thought him my lover 
— did he not insult Barbara — 

Pietro 
'Tis your husband, then? 

Lucrezia 
Aye, but too foul to remain so. 

Pietro 
Here I vow then, by my sword, by the sanctity 
of my friendship, by my love for you, by all that 
is sacred, that the sun that saw Ercole's death 
shall see Ercole avenged. 

Curtain 

[60] 



ACT IV 

Scene 1. Court-room. 

Angela 
'Tis not for naught then, these many years have 
crept upon me. Already have I found balm in 
the fear of her eyes — a thing that could not be 
in Rome — but, 'tis not enough ! She must learn 
my pangs in her own. Fate has been too kind to 
her, too helpful with her plans, too bending to 
her will — I will undo it! Mere exposal is not 
all? That would be sweet compared to my 
agonies — Grandia must be avenged in Borgia 
fashion. She is enwrapped in her lover, her 
plans are all for him — he is her weakness, noth- 
ing else would daunt her. I have it! It needs 
but little thinking — no one is the equal to the 
Duke in swordsmanship — he should die by his 
sword. [Enter Court Jester.] 

Court Jester 
Only you, sweet maid, may have use for me now. 

Angela 
What is! 

[61] 



Court Jester 
The Palace is draped in dreariness and every- 
body is sick in heart. I am out of place, no one 
to console me, to — 

Angela 
Poor fool! Even yon cannot relieve the situa- 
tion. 

Court Jester 
But I am happy once more in your presence, 
Angela. 

Angela 
[Pats him on cheek.] Listen, fool, recall my 
promise — not too hasty now, my kisses must be 
earned. 

Court Jester 
I will earn them, then. 

Angela 
Tell me, do you know aught of Ereole's death? 

Court Jester 
It is most difficult to understand who slew him. 
But, one thing I know, and that I think, no one 
else knows in the Court. 

[62] 



Angela 
And what is that! 

Court Jester 
The true lover of the Duchess was not this dead 
man but — Pietro Bembo! 

Angela 
You know more than I could credit you for. 
You are right. But how know you this? 

Court Jester 
Ha, ha ! There are no two spots where I am not 
at the same moment. Often I was about to dis- 
illusion the Duke, and many opportunities I had 
in those cursed hunting trips — but, I was not 
being paid for tell-tales. 

Angela 
You are even wiser than your vocation. But 
the time has come when the Duke must be told. 

Court Jester 
Is this what you ask of me 1 

Angela 
Yes. 



[63] 



Court Jester 
Then I shall not kiss Angela once. 

Angela 
What! You fear telling the truth? 

Court Jester 
But I shall kiss her many times. 

Angela 
Now! Your first opportunity — but mark my 
words — see that the Duke's anger is not lodged 
in his authority, but more furious, seek justice 
by the sword. 

Court Jester 
I understand ! And now one thing I ask and the 
bargain is struck! 

Angela 
What? 

Court Jester 
I must have a deposit on your promise. 

Angela 
Ha, ha, you fool ! [Kisses him; exit.] 

[6 4 ] 



Court Jester 
It is no mean task. [Enter Duke.] 

Duke 
Fool ! you seem to pop up at direst moments. 

Court Jester 
Therein lies my wisdom. Were you, lord, al- 
ready happy, I would be useless. 

Duke 
I seek not to be humored now. Too many omi- 
nous things have crossed my path and a shadow 
has fallen over the Palace with the death of Er- 
cole Strozzi. Fools sometimes trip upon wise 
things, Jester, and it is always for the wise to 
ask and the fool to answer- — then tell me, have 
you heard or do you know anything in this 
murder? 

Court Jester 
First allow me to correct you — it is no more ac- 
cidental for the fool to be wise than the wise 
foolish. Secondly, if the wise are to ask and 
the foolish to answer, then the fools wise must 
be, for they can ask more than the wise can an- 
swer — 



[65] 



Duke 

And just the fool you are — all else you speak of 
— my question you do not answer. 

Court Jester 

Each in turn. Were I to know the murderer I 
would need no wisdom, and since I am an igno- 
rant fool, I can only suspect. 

Duke 
Let me have your suspicion, then. 

Court Jester 

Or, I should not say suspicion, I can only leave 
that to you, I should say what I know — Pietro 
Bembo is your wife's wooer, and not as you sus- 
pected, Ercole Strozzi. 

Duke 

Pietro Bembo ! What a fool I was ! — It is so ! — 
What an ass I made of myself to be so tricked, 
so deceived. This woman — what is she, what is 
her game — this murder — her mind has woven all 
this — the Boman ways in a peaceful state — I am 
duped — Ferrara is duped by a Spanish trick- 

[66] 



ster. — But Ferrara with one slash of the sword 
can cut all this open — this gallant — this wife — 
[Exit Duke.] 

Court Jester 
I have earned it — 

Be it the cause I know not, 
'Twill stir the seething pot 
To overboiling; 

When the broth becomes too hot 
Then will all this rot 
Be rid of its soiling. 

[Exit Court Jester. Enter Lucrezia.] 

Lucrezia 
I have conquered all-devouring time, for it 
speeds at my behest to my goal. I have harnessed 
its wings and its scythe shall clip the length of 
his life. His hours, withered at a stroke, shall add 
one sweet moment to mine. My lover's sword is 
poisoned at the point and it needs but prick to 
kill. [Enter Duke.] 

Duke 
So you are here. I was sure to find you in pri- 
vacy with your gallant. 

[67] 



LUCREZIA 

What now? 

Duke 

Give me not your innocent look that has caused 
many to sing you an angel. Rather open your 
bosom and stand defiant and cry — thus have I 
favored another— thus have I duped all— thus 
has a man died — 

Lucrezia 

Ercole 's death is your doing. None other would 
take his life by stealth when he was coming to 
avenge your insult to his wife. 

Duke 

Shameless woman. Shameless liar. I can pick 
harlots in the beaten paths and they would ac- 
cord me more honor, not to my station, but as 
man — than you have — this foul accusation — I 
shall see to it and to you — [Enter Pietro un- 
perceived.] — but first I shall find your gallant 
— Pietro Bembo — him, to whom you have proved 
harlot — even worse than your own mother in 
her days — then — [Pietro steps out.] 

[68] 



PlETKO 

Not far have you to go to have your bloody 
hands cleansed in your own blood. Why a hus- 
band, a murderer, demand virtue unto himself I 
know not — but now you will get what you de- 
serve — [They draw swords.] 

Duke 

To prove your accusation is beneath my dignity 
— you will court Mephisto in hell with your jin- 
gles. [They fight.] 

Lucrezia 
So far have I coaxed fate, to these very blades — 
it cannot deny me — I can do no more. 



Ah! 



PlETRO 



Duke 



Only a scratch! [They fight on for a few mo- 
ments, the Duke in pain suddenly drops his 
guard and Pietro runs him through.] You have 
me! I am dying — 'tis ill your faithlessness to 
the Duke was not repaid — nor Ereole's death 
avenged 1 — but — [Dies.] 

[69] 



PlETRO 

What! What's this! Ercole's death not 
avenged ! 

Lucrezia 
Nay, dear lover, he lied — come, we are free — 

Pietro 
The parting words of life never lie — [Enter 
Angela.] 

Angela 
Jesu ! the Duke is dead ! 

Pietro 
Aye — I have slain him — 

Angela 
To avenge Ercole, eh! Ha, ha, ha! 

Pietro 
Angela ! 

Angela 
You have slain an innocent man ! 

Lucrezia 
Away, away — 

[70] 



PlETRO 

Maria! Nay — stay — I must know the truth — I 
am already steeped in blood — I am vowed to re- 
venge — even now, two ! 

Angela 
Indeed, two! I was coming from the market 
place to the Palace when two hooded men ap- 
peared to act strangely — I recognized them. I 
returned and spied on them. Before I could read 
their thoughts from their actions Ercole Strozzi, 
who was passing, was slain ! 

Pietro 
And who were these men? 

Angela 
Hirelings of — 

Lucrezia 
Angela Borgia — of my own blood — Angela Bor- 
gia— 

Pietro 
Whose hirelings? 

Angela 
Hirelings of Lucrezia Borgia. [Exit Angela.] 

[71] 



PlETRO 

What's this! Christus! 

LUCREZIA 

Can you not see, it is all for yon, Pietro, all for 
yon, we are free — 

Pietro 
You have slain Ercole — here lies your husband 
— and here you are, treacherous, athrob — and 
I — murderer that I am — 

LUCREZIA 

Our love, Pietro ! 

Pietro 
Love ! Dare you love — such love you mean — 

Lucrezia 
Pietro ! 

Pietro 

And what of my oath — you have it in your 

breath — the blood of Ercole, the Duke — the 
honor of my oath! 

Lucrezia 
Forget all this, lover — we can — 

[72] 



PlETRO 

Profane thought ! Think you I can look at you 
without summoning Ercole's face — what love 
can it be you desire now if not exultation in your 
own debauchery. Can you kiss my lips without 
feeling their sting — burning with vengeance. Off 
my arm — it is under oath — Jesu! Shall I slay 
you, Lucrezia — ? 

Lucrezia 
You love me yet. Pietro — 

PlETRO 

Away — how feel your heaving bosom when be- 
hind it lies a treacherous heart — and yet — 
Christus — I cannot pierce it — I know it in all 
its loveliness — I cannot fleck its snow-white 
beauty that once gave me ecstasy, with blood. 

Lucrezia 

Here, then, let me have your thrust — far sweeter 
your sword where once your head reclined — 

Pietro 
Nay, nay, I shall not slay you, I — 

[73] 



LUCEEZIA 

You are still my — 

PlETRO 

Nay, why slay you — ha, ha, ha — with one 
stroke I can revenge all — why slay you, who 
know not sweet sincerity, that which makes full 
the cup of life, and therefore cannot fear nor 
cherish death. Only when its sting shall smite 
you as I have been smitten — then will you de- 
sire death at your lover's hands — but your lover 
shall not be there to give such joy [stabs him- 
self] then shall you feel the sting of your own 
vile nature, then shall you long for death. — It is 
fulfilled. Ercole lives again. He drinks from 
the dregs of your agony — far sweeter than your 
death. [Dies.] 

Lucrezia 
Madonna mia! [Faints.] 

Curtain 



[74] 



mSSmSLSE. CONGRESS 



018 395 148 8 



